Frequently Asked Questions

RPL

Do you qualify?

To qualify and apply for RPL you must meet one of the following criteria:

You possess current competency in the modules for which RPL is being claimed, i.e. you may have completed the modules with another Training Organisation, but did not complete all the modules required for the full permit.

You have been working in the building industry for the past 3 or more years, and have completed a qualification relating to WHS, Management or Drawings and Specifications, and have applied the relevant competencies in the residential building industry.

You have held a general building work licence or qualified supervisor certificate and possess the required underpinning knowledge specified in the relevant modules.

How long does it take?

The turn-around time for RPL is usually 10 working days, at which point we may contact you for further questioning. Once this is complete, a further 5 working days is required to collate a summary of the outcome. You will be contacted by email detailing whether you have received any Recognition, and which modules you may still be required to complete.

Important: ABE Education offers no guarantee that Recognition will be given simply because you qualify for RPL. If you are still required to complete some modules, but are unsatisfied with the RPL result, you will not be issued a refund.

When conducting the RPL process, our assessors are bound by strict regulatory guidelines and must ensure you meet each critical aspect of knowledge and skill. If our assessors do not abide by these guidelines, ABE Education would be in breach of the compliance requirements set by the National Vet Regulator, ASQA – serious penalties apply.

How much does it cost?

The administration fee to process your application is $150. If you qualify, you will then be required to pay the full price of the course. Please note that these fees are GST exempt.

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL is known as Recognition of Prior Learning and is a formal acknowledgment of your skills and knowledge that you have gained through training, work experience and/or life experiences. RPL is an assessment process that assesses your formal and informal learning to determine the extent to which you have achieved the required standards for entry into training for a qualification or in this instance, for an owner- builder permit. RPL comes at an additional fee and you will be required to complete documentation as well as provide an extensive amount of physical evidence as proof of your knowledge and skills which can be difficult to prove in the building industry. We've had engineers, architects and licensed builders all decide to complete the owner-builder course as prescribed by NSW Fair Trading as it is quicker and easier than having to go through the process of preparing and collating evidence for review.

What happens if my application for RPL is not granted?

If your application is not granted, you will be required to complete the course in full in order to obtain your owner-builder statement of attainment. You will not be eligible for a refund.

What type of evidence will I be required to supply?

The list below details some of the evidence you may be required to provide. Please be aware that this list is not exhaustive.

Up-to-date Resume

Detailed evidence of past education and training undertaken

Detailed list of interests/experiences that have helped you gain the knowledge and skills relating to this course

Certificates

Reference from past employers

Job descriptions

Correspondence with professionals relating to building and construction